It can be tough to roll out of bed when the alarm buzzes. The right combination of essential oils can help in the transition by clearing your mind of morning fog. Derived from plants, essential oils work in different ways to boost metabolism, heal the body, and soothe the mind.
Some increase heart rate and focus the mind while others stabilize emotions by reducing the draining feelings of anxiety or depression. For you, it may also include treating chronic pain so you’re mentally and physically able to concentrate on your daily work.
Essential oils can be taken in a number of different ways. They can be rubbed directly onto the skin where they’re absorbed and circulated through the body. Oils can also be infused into sprays that are absorbed through the skin and inhaled. For a full room infusion, try an essential oil diffuser that subtly bathes the room in your chosen oil.
A word of caution: Before you jump in, be sure to read the fine print. Some essential oils cannot be rubbed just anywhere while others are better used when diffused or mixed with a carrier oil. Others are simply more effective in one form over another.
With that said, here’s a list of essential oils to calm your anxiety, boost your metabolism, or simply wake up your brain. Think about your unique morning challenges to decide which oils in what combinations might work best for you.
Lemon
Lemon is at the top of everyone’s high energy essential oils. That same shock and tingle you get biting into a lemon can be yours without the assault on your tastebuds. Unless, of course, you love yourself a good lemon.
However, lemon essential oil isn’t the same thing as lemon juice or even the fruit itself. The aromatic qualities of the rind are used to derive this popular oil. While the scent of lemon is refreshing, it’s also relaxing in the sense that it can relieve anxiety, reduce mental fatigue, and put a curb on dizziness. At the same time, it boosts alertness and the ability to concentrate.
Peppermint
Peppermint oil has been highly studied for its health benefits. It’s used to treat everything from irritable bowel syndrome to tension headaches. Peppermint oil has been shown to improve heart rate, breath rate, and energy. It can be combined with other essential oils to clear your nasal and air passageways as well.
Peppermint oil is used in capsules as well as the direct oil form, though the capsules are covered in a special coating to prevent heartburn. This powerful oil is highly concentrated so it only takes a few drops in a diffuser or spray to have an impact.
Geranium
Geranium oil has a long list of benefits from being the fountain of youth for its skin and muscle toning to reducing scars. For those who struggle with chronic pain, it’s a great addition to the morning routine because it speeds healing and slows bacterial growth. Geranium oil also promotes cell regeneration and overall health. It’s more commonly used in sprays over direct skin contact or diffusing.
Basil
Basil tastes delicious in the kitchen, but the highly concentrated oil could be just what you need to reduce anxiety and tension. Whether it’s a busy work schedule or stress at home, basil can help with mental fatigue, symptoms of depression, and migraines. Its simple scent makes it ideal for use in a diffuser to keep your stress and anxiety down before you start your day.
Pine
If you walk into a forest full of pine, it’s easy to sense how this plant can give you a morning boost. Pine removes excess water from the body and is often used to remove toxins by encouraging urination.
But that’s not all. Pine also has an analgesic effect, helping to treat chronic pain from arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Nervous tension, anxiety, stress are also amongst the conditions this oil can target.
Good Habits Help Too
Essential oils are a great way to get a boost, soothe your nerves, or clear your mind, but they can be more effective if you’ve got other healthy habits in your corner.
- Go to bed on time: Your body relies on a consistent schedule to monitor the proper timing of your sleep/wake cycle. A regular bedtime and wake up time can help clear the cobwebs in the morning.
- Stay hydrated: Dehydration leads to mental and physical fatigue. This is an everyday help that will give your body the best chance at optimal performance.
- Practice meditation and mindfulness: An awareness of where you are, how you feel, and those around you can help reduce stress and anxiety. It’s also a way to keep your mind focus on the present moment whether that’s in the morning, afternoon, or evening.
Conclusion
Essential oils have natural health benefits. You can change which you use based on how your feeling on any given morning, and their application can be fast and simple. Start with one or stock up but either way you can feel invigorated and ready for whatever the day brings.
About the author: Heather Viera is a lifestyle expert and researcher for FamilyLivingToday.com. She is dedicated to achieving a balanced lifestyle, even with two small children and a full-time career. In the little free time she has, she enjoys hiking with her partner and taking her dog to the beach.
